On Retirement

Kurt Warner recently retired from the NFL. He is one of two quarterbacks to start in the Super Bowl for two different teams. Can you name the other?

COLUMN: Gettysburg Times - 01/30/10

A little old lady approached me Wednesday afternoon near the hot food aisle at Kennie’s in Gettysburg, and asked me about the “lineup scenarios” for the Biglerville-Bermudian wrestling match tonight.
“I think it’ll be decided by 10 points or less,” she predicted, adding that she purchased her ticket “as soon as they went on sale Tuesday morning.”
The match was reportedly sold-out within 48 hours.
“I tell you what,” the blue-eyed lass continued, “Bermudian has had a pretty good team the past couple of years.”
Well, yeah, they advanced to the state tournament in 2007-09, and even took second place there two years ago.
That’s pretty darn good, in my humble opinion.
“But the Canners - - - they’ve got that tradition up in Biglerville,” she continued. “They like to pin people.”
She paused, before smiling: “I graduated from Biglerville in 1948.”
Momentarily, she unzipped her winter jacket to reveal a camouflage sweatshirt, emblazoned with “C-A-N-N-E-R-S” on the front side.
Seconds later, she asked me who I’m rooting for tonight. I explained to her that I have to remain neutral, since I work at the newspaper.
Next thing I know, she planted a boot upon my derriere.
Lesson learned.
See you all in line four hours before the match starts.
~ Scot A. Pitzer, Times Staff Reporter.

On Comedian Terrorists

BLOG: Quotes of the Week in Adams County

http://www.gettysburgtimes.com/articles/2010/01/25/blogs/doc4b5a2793626a8232502681.txt

Published: Friday, January 22, 2010 5:38 PM EST

“They have the right to look at candidates. They have no obligation to appoint the current staff.” — Mount Joy Twp. Solicitor Susan Smith, regarding the board’s decision to dismiss two veteran staffers without warning, in favor of a cheaper, outside employee.

“Not once did the borough ask, ‘Could we put it on school property?” — Gettysburg School Board member Dale Biesecker, after they voted to reject a donated Lincoln statue at Alumni Park.

“I’m looking for a professional manager. Gettysburg is a special town that needs a special manger.” — Gettysburg Borough Interim Manager Peter Marshall, regarding the search to replace the retired John Lawver.

“He doesn’t have the technical experience that (John) Lawver has, but he has the people skills.” — Gettysburg Borough Council President John Butterfield, regarding Interim Manager Peter Marshall.

“We never said that.” — Mount Joy Township Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman John Gormont, responding to a citizen who asked the board to clarify printed comments about “fiscal mismanagement.”

“I don’t like it, but it seems that’s the way you’ve got to do it.” — Huntington Township Supervisor Roger Sowers, who voted against giving developer Robert Mumma and Caco Three Inc. an extension for the controversial “Peakview Trailer Park.”

“It’s something that we are looking into.” — Larry Smar, a spokesman for U.S. Senator Bob Casey, on legislation proposed by U.S. Rep. Todd Platts, that would expand the boundaries of Gettysburg National Military Park to include the Gettysburg Railroad Depot.

“For the safety of the residents, they had to be removed.” — Cumberland Township Manager Florence Ford, regarding the closure of the Gettysburg Inn, along the Biglerville Road, because of unsanitary conditions.

“Hope and luck are not options to zoning in the future.” — Arendtsville Mayor Bill Hanne, regarding a proposed Northwest Comprehensive Plan.

“It’s sort of in limbo right now.” — Gettysburg Mayor Wiliam E. Troxell, after the Gettysburg School Board rejected a donated Lincoln statue.

“I think we had an ideal site for it.” — Gettysburg Councilman Michael J. Birkner, regarding Alumni Park along Baltimore Street, the preferred site for a donated Lincoln statue.

“We’re concerned about how they’ve been conducting some of their activities. It seems to be in disarray.” — Lake Heritage resident Fred Krause, regarding the Mount Joy Township Board of Supervisors.

“I thought we had the potential to put 50 on them. The kids did pretty much what I thought they were capable of.” — Bermudian Springs Wrestling Coach Dave McCollum, after the Eagles defeated the Northeastern Bobcats, 50-12.

“There is no leak in the roof of the Cyclorama painting gallery. It’s an isolated problem.” — Gettysburg National Military Park spokeswoman Katie Lawhon, on water damage to the Cyclorama painting.

“There is a leak problem with the Cyclorama roof.” — National Park Service internal report, dated Dec. 22.

“There was no transition. We’d pass each other in the hallway, and they wouldn’t even say hi.” — Mount Joy Township Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman John Gormont, regarding the old five-person board, and the newly elected supervisors.

“It would be a real shame to lose the (Lincoln) statue, so if we’re going to lose it, they can put it in my garden.” — Farnsworth House owner Loring Shultz.

“Let’s give these guys a chance to do their job.” — Mount Joy Township resident Art Honeycutt, regarding the new board of supervisors, which now has four first-year officials.

“It’s a bogus agreement.” — Gettysburg Borough Interim Manager Peter Marshall, regarding the borough’s operational pact with the Gettysburg Municipal Authority.

“We are confident we can resolve it without any major impacts to the painting or the visiting public.” — GNMP Interim Supt. Mel Poole, regarding condensation problems in the Cyclorama gallery. The park is closing the gallery Jan. 25-29 to address the “short term” issue.~

Submitted by: Scot A. Pitzer, Times Staff Reporter
Reader comments are encouraged. Contact Scot Pitzer directly at 334-1131, ext. 247 or spitzer@gburgtimes.com.

BLOG: Lincoln statue in limbo after School Board rejection

http://www.gettysburgtimes.com/articles/2010/01/25/blogs/doc4b59feaa7e62b677269644.txt

Lincoln statue in limbo after School Board rejection: Statue complete, but no where to place sculpture.

Published: Monday, January 25, 2010 12:12 AM EST

Is it any surprise that the Gettysburg School Board rejected the enigmatic Lincoln statue?

From the very beginning, there was something bizarre about the entire offer from Utah sculptor Stanley Watts.

No one doubts that the statue will be a wonderful “gift” to Gettysburg.But it all comes down to communication, communication, communication.

The Gettysburg School Board said Tuesday during its unanimous rejection of the statue that it was not “kept in the loop” by the borough about the project.

Naturally, the borough disagreed. In fact, Councilman Michael J. Birkner, the liaison between the borough and Watts, claims that he spoke with Supt. Dr. William Hall a dozen times, the school’s attorney at least six times, and even offered to attend previous school board meetings.

Regardless - - - here we are, nearly two years after Watts announced that he was creating the statue as a “gift” to the citizens of Gettysburg. And we still don’t have a statue.

Mayor William E. Troxell admitted: "The statue is in limbo."

What does Mr. Watts think about all of this? We haven’t seen him since August, when he attended a Gettysburg Borough Council meeting to defend his reputation.

At the time, the Associated Press linked another Watts statue - - - at the Emmitsburg Fire Academy - - - to investor fraud. Watts said he was unaware that the company he contracted to build the statue (Coadum Advisors Inc.) defrauded investors in a ponzi scheme.

Still, many members of Borough Council began to rethink the Lincoln “gift,” and questioned what type of “anonymous donor” would finance the statue.

So Watts visited Gettysburg, and gave officials his side of the story.

He was forthright and honest, distancing himself from the accusations.

Now would be a good time to see him again.Where does he want the statue placed?

Is Gettysburg College a suitable alternative? Or is the vacant REDDI project lot along Carlisle Street OK?

Councilman Birkner reported this week that the 7 foot, six inch tall statue is complete, and Watts would like to “temporarily” store it in Gettysburg, until a permanent property is found. Then, a dedication ceremony would be scheduled.

One possible home is the Farnsworth House garden along Baltimore Street. Owner Loring Shultz has offered the garden to Watts, pointing out that it’s along the “historic pathway” that Lincoln traveled en route from the Wills House to the National Cemetery, where he gave the Gettysburg Address in 1863.

The garden is also directly across the street from Alumni Park, the school district property that Watts had been eyeing for his statue.

Shultz said this week that he doesn’t necessarily “want the statue, but if we’re going to lose it, we’ll take it.”

So, what are the other options?

The Lincoln Cemetery in the 3rd Ward? Probably not, because it does not generate enough tourist traffic.

The Gettysburg Railroad Station? Seems ideal, but the site was reportedly shot down by Watts, because there isn’t enough room for the statue in front of the Carlisle Street depot. (So Lincoln would have to be placed in the rear of the building, and that’s apparently not acceptable.)

Steinwehr Avenue? Eric Uberman has a nice piece of property beside the American Civil War Museum. The site seems pretty legit - - - Steinwehr entrepreneurs are in dire need of a “tourist attraction” since the closure of the old Battlefield Visitor Center.The Rec Park? Hey, why not.

The Adams County Library? The Blue Parrot?

Lincoln Square?

The Race Horse Alley Parking Plaza?

The options are aplenty.

The time for Watts to voice his opinion is now.

Otherwise, this will turn into another “communication” fiasco, and Lincoln may never make the 2000 mile trip from Salt Lake City to Gettysburg.

~ Submitted by: Scot A. Pitzer, Times Staff Reporter.

Reader comments are encouraged. Contact Scot Pitzer directly at 717-334-1131, ext. 247 or spitzer@gburgtimes.com.

On the NFL Conference Title Games

Results of the Free Advice Poll:

Free Advice picked Minnesota 60%-40% over New Orleans.

New Orleans 31 Minnesota 28

Free Advice picked Indianapolis 80% - 20% over the New York Jets.

Indianapolis 30 New York Jets 17

Tejada Back in Baltimore

The Baltimore Orioles have signed free agent Miguel Tejada to fill their hole at third base. "Miggy" has been signed to a one-year, $6 million contract. He is expected to serve as a "bridge" to prospect Josh Bell, acquired from the LA Dodgers last year in the George Sherrill trade.

Tejada was one of the most prolific hitters in Baltimore baseball history, hitting .330 in one season, and driving in 150 runs in another season (the most in Oriole history).

He played with the Orioles from 2004-07, before he was traded to the Houson Astros (for prospects) in the final two years of his contract.

Report: O's MacPhail woke up, and saw his shadow - went back to sleep for 6 more wks.

Sorry, don't have a link. Peter Angelos could not be reached for comment.

Seriously, no wonder Angelos likes this guy - - - he doesn't done a single, solitary thing to IMPROVE the Last Place Orioles.

Remember last year when MacPhail declared: "We'll grow the arms, and buy the bats?"

Still waiting for him to buy a bat.

Mark Tiexera? Nope.

Matt Holliday. Wrong again.

MacPhail and Angelos sit and fiddle while Camden Yards burns.

He only made one "upgrade" this offseason, by acquiring Kevin Millwood.

Gonzalez (replaces Sherill) and Atkins (replaces Huff/Mora) are a wash.

Still waiting for the upgrades, Andy MacPhail. Don't let us down!

On Aptitude

On Paying Attention

This is encouraging. Can it be true?

On the NFL Playoffs

Free Advice was split 50-50 on Minnesota vs. Dallas.

Minnesota 34 Dallas 3

Free Advice picked New Orleans 67% - 33% over Arizona.

New Orleans 45 Arizona 14

Free Advice picked Indianapolis 67% - 33% over Baltimore.

Indianapolis 20 Baltimore 3

Free Advice picked San Diego 100% - 0% over the New York Jets.

New York Jets 17 San Diego 14

On Prayer

The Minnesota Vikings gained a measure of redemption yesterday with a 34-3 thrashing of the Dallas Cowboys in their NFC Divisional playoff game.

Redemption for signing a 40 year old quarterback days before the start of the season.
Redemption for dismal performances in the month of December.
Redemption for a late-season tiff between quarterback and head coach.
Redemption for said quarterback's 0-3 playoff record against the Cowboys.

It is only a "measure" of redemption. Partial. Insufficient for admittance into Valhalla.

The Vikings have many sins to atone for.

Next week's NFC Title game against New Orleans, the so-called "Saints", is a Vikings opportunity to slay another demon.

And then, Odin willing, Redemption.

Amen.

On the Platypus

Although a mammal, the platypus lays eggs and stores venom in its duck-like bill.

On Trends

Not enough to be declared trendy, but still encouraging.

On Politics

On these issues the educated class is faith-based and the ordinary Americans who increasingly reject their views are fact-based, just as the Obama enthusiasts are motivated by style and the tea partiers by substance.

- Michael Barone referring to Global Warming and Gun Control

Entire Article here.

On Testing New Products

On Trends

Wouldn't mind seeing this turn into a trend.

On Wrestling

(Click image to Enlarge)

On Trends

If this is one, I hope it picks up steam.

On Lions not leaving...

Royster announced today he will remain at Penn State for his senior season :) Bowman will be leaving...

On Finding Common Ground

"I know we're just little pissants compared to the NFL, but seriously, the NFL is turning into the ugly American when it comes to sports leagues," Cuban said. "They don't give a crap about anybody but themselves."

- Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks owner

I am obliged to agree. Mark Cuban is a pissant.

On Musicianship

Sometimes people ask me if I can read music.

I tell them, "Yes. Silently."

On Lions leaving...

New Penn State head coach Cael Sanderson, after the Lock Haven dual meet on January 3rd, confirmed sophomore Colby Pisani (6-7) has left the team, but did not elaborate on the reason. Pisani is one of a several wrestlers to leave the Lions this season.

Bubba Jenkins leaving Lions

Senior Jenkins, career 73-21, redshirted the first half of the 2009-2010 season due to academic ineligibility before being dismissed from the team due to differences with new head coach Cael Sanderson.

On Bourbon

Don't forget, it's medicinal!

On 2009

Happy New Year!